Smokejack Clay Pit is a geological Site of Special Scientific Interest located east of Cranleigh, in Surrey, England. It is a Geological Conservation Review site that exposes Lower Cretaceous rocks of the Weald Clay Group, which have been studied since 1983. The first skeleton of the theropod dinosaur, Baryonyx walkeri, was discovered in the Smokejack Clay Pit in 1983 by an amateur fossil collector.
The Smokejack Clay Pit is a 56-hectare (140-acre) site that is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The site is rich in fossils, including those of dinosaurs, crocodiles, and turtles. It is a popular destination for fossil collectors and paleontologists who come to study the unique geology of the area.
The Smokejack Clay Pit is an important site for understanding the geological history of the region and the evolution of life on Earth. Its significance lies in the fact that it provides a window into the past, allowing scientists to study the fossils and rocks that have been preserved for millions of years. The site is a testament to the rich natural history of the area and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
History of Smokejack Clay Pit
Smokejack Clay Pit is a geological Site of Special Scientific Interest located in Surrey, England. The site is a 56-hectare area that exposes Lower Cretaceous rocks of the Weald Clay Group. The pit has been studied since 1983, and fossils of six orders of insects have been discovered there.
The name “Smokejack” is derived from the brickworks that used to operate in the area. The brickworks were established in the 19th century and were in operation until the 1970s. The clay extracted from the pit was used to produce high-quality bricks that were in demand throughout the region.
The site was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1985 due to its geological importance. The Weald Clay Group exposed at the site is of great interest to geologists and paleontologists, as it contains numerous fossils of plants and animals from the early Cretaceous period. The site is also a Geological Conservation Review site, which means that it is of national importance for its geological features.
Today, the Smokejack Clay Pit is a popular destination for fossil hunters and geology enthusiasts. The pit is open to the public and visitors can explore the exposed rock faces to search for fossils. The site is also home to a variety of wildlife, including rare species of birds and insects.
Geology and Composition
Clay Types
Smokejack Clay Pit is a geological Site of Special Scientific Interest located east of Cranleigh in Surrey. The site exposes Lower Cretaceous rocks of the Weald Clay Group, which have been studied since 1983. The clay found at Smokejack Clay Pit is mainly composed of kaolinite, a soft white clay mineral that is used in a wide range of industrial applications such as ceramics, paper, and paint.
In addition to kaolinite, the clay at Smokejack Clay Pit also contains other minerals such as smectite, illite, and quartz. Smectite is a group of clay minerals that are known for their high water absorption capacity, while illite is a type of clay mineral that is commonly found in sedimentary rocks. Quartz is a hard mineral that is commonly used in construction materials such as concrete and asphalt.
Stratification
The clay at Smokejack Clay Pit is stratified, meaning that it is layered in a specific order. The stratification of the clay is due to the depositional environment in which it was formed. The Weald Clay Group was deposited in a shallow marine environment during the Lower Cretaceous period, approximately 125 million years ago.
The stratification of the clay at Smokejack Clay Pit can be seen in the exposed rock faces. The layers of clay are separated by thin layers of sandstone and limestone, which were deposited during periods of higher sea levels. The stratification of the clay at Smokejack Clay Pit has been studied extensively and has yielded important insights into the geological history of the area.
In conclusion, Smokejack Clay Pit is a unique geological site that offers valuable insights into the geological history of the area. The clay found at the site is mainly composed of kaolinite and is stratified, providing important information about the depositional environment in which it was formed.
Location and Access
Geographic Coordinates
Smokejack Clay Pit is located in southern Surrey, England. The geographic coordinates of the pit are 51.1381° N, 0.3415° W.
Public Access Information
The Smokejack Clay Pit is open to the public and can be accessed by foot. Visitors are advised to wear appropriate footwear and clothing as the site can be muddy and slippery. The site is owned and managed by the Surrey Wildlife Trust. Visitors are asked to respect the site and take care not to damage the exposed rocks.
There is no parking available at the site, but visitors can park at the nearby village of Ockley and walk to the site. The pit is located approximately 1.5 miles southeast of Ockley. Visitors can also take public transportation to Ockley and then walk to the site.
It is important to note that the pit is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Geological Conservation Review site. Visitors are not allowed to remove any rocks or fossils from the site. The pit is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds and reptiles. Visitors are asked to take care not to disturb the wildlife.
Archaeological Significance
The Smokejack Clay Pit is not only a geological site of special scientific interest, but it also holds immense archaeological significance. The pit has been a subject of interest for many researchers, and it has yielded many significant discoveries over the years.
Fossil Discoveries
The pit has been a rich source of fossils, particularly those of insects. Researchers have recorded fossils of six orders of insects, which have been studied since 1983. These fossils have provided insight into the evolution of insects and their relationship with the environment. Additionally, reptilian bones from the Weald Clay have also been discovered at the pit, providing further evidence of the area’s rich prehistoric past.
Historical Artifacts
Apart from fossils, the pit has also yielded historical artifacts that provide a glimpse into the area’s past. Researchers have identified pottery fire-pits, where the clay is heated until it becomes pottery. These pottery fire-pits were not previously identified in the Irish archaeological literature, making the discovery significant. Additionally, the pit has also yielded fragments of pottery and other artifacts, providing insight into the lives of the people who lived in the area in the past.
In conclusion, the Smokejack Clay Pit is not only a geological wonder but also a treasure trove of archaeological significance. The discoveries made at the pit have provided valuable insight into the area’s past, and researchers continue to study the site to uncover more information about the region’s rich history.
Current Usage
Educational Tours
Smokejack Clay Pit is a geological Site of Special Scientific Interest that is open to the public for educational tours. Visitors can learn about the Lower Cretaceous rocks of the Weald Clay Group that are exposed in the pit. The educational tours are conducted by knowledgeable guides who provide information about the geological history of the area and the fossils that have been found in the pit.
Research Activities
The Smokejack Clay Pit is also a popular site for research activities. The exposed Lower Cretaceous rocks of the Weald Clay Group have been studied since 1983, and the site is a Geological Conservation Review site. The fossils of six orders of insects have been found in the pit, making it an important site for paleontological research.
Researchers can access the pit for fieldwork and sample collection with permission from the appropriate authorities. The site provides a unique opportunity for researchers to study the geological history of the area and the fossils that have been preserved in the rocks.
Overall, Smokejack Clay Pit is a valuable educational and research site that provides insights into the geological and paleontological history of the area.
Conservation Efforts
Preservation Initiatives
Smokejack Clay Pit has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Geological Conservation Review site due to its unique geological features and fossils. As a result, several preservation initiatives have been established to protect the site’s natural ecosystem.
The preservation initiatives include regular monitoring and maintenance of the site’s geological features, as well as the implementation of strict regulations to prevent any human activities that may damage the site. Additionally, the local government has implemented several measures to prevent pollution and maintain the air and water quality around the site.
Community Involvement
The local community has been actively involved in the preservation efforts of Smokejack Clay Pit. Several volunteer programs have been established to engage the local community in the monitoring and maintenance of the site’s natural ecosystem.
The volunteers are trained to identify and report any issues that may arise around the site, such as pollution or damage to geological features. Additionally, the volunteers participate in regular clean-up events to maintain the cleanliness of the site and prevent any littering.
Overall, the preservation initiatives and community involvement have been successful in maintaining the natural ecosystem of Smokejack Clay Pit. The site remains a valuable resource for geological research and a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
Regulations and Safety
Site Rules
Visitors to Smokejack Clay Pit are required to follow certain rules to ensure the safety of everyone and to protect the site. The following are some of the rules that visitors must abide by:
- No smoking is allowed within the site
- No camping or overnight stays are allowed
- No littering is allowed; visitors must take their trash with them when they leave
- No vehicles are allowed beyond the parking area
- Visitors must stay on designated paths and not disturb the exposed rocks or soils
Safety Guidelines
Visitors to Smokejack Clay Pit should also follow certain safety guidelines to avoid accidents and injuries. The following are some of the safety guidelines that visitors must keep in mind:
- Visitors should wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good traction to avoid slipping on loose rocks or soils
- Visitors should not climb on the exposed rock faces or attempt to dig or collect fossils
- Visitors should be aware of their surroundings and watch out for hazards such as loose rocks or steep drop-offs
- Visitors should carry plenty of water and sunscreen as there is no shade on the site
By following these rules and guidelines, visitors can enjoy a safe and educational visit to Smokejack Clay Pit.